Method and system for automated outlying feature and outlying feature background detection during processing of data scanned from a molecular array

A method and system for employing pixel-based, signal-intensity data contained within areas of a scanned image of a molecular array corresponding to features and feature backgrounds in order to determine whether or not the features or feature backgrounds have non-uniform signal intensities and are thus outlier features and outlier feature backgrounds. A calculated, estimated variance for the signal intensities within a feature or feature background is compared to a maximum allowable variance calculated for the feature or feature background based on a signal intensity variance model. When the experimental variance is less than or equal to the maximum allowable variance, the feature or feature background is considered to have acceptable signal-intensity uniformity. Otherwise, the feature or feature background is flagged as an outlier feature or outlier feature background.